One Needs To Be High To Play The Best Music – Majek Fashek

Nigerian Reggae Legend, Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek has opened up on his struggle with drugs and alcohol and his return from rehabilitation.

In a recent chat with journalists, the Edo State born musician, who recently came out of rehab, said he is happy to be alive.

Speaking at the 2015 edition of the annual Felabration festival, the Rainmaker who also released a song on his return from rehab said:

“To fully explain what the rehab was to me, I have a song titled, a living dog is better than a dead lion. It captures how I feel. I give thanks to the Most High for where I am today.

“For me, it was an opportunity to dry out. They say recovering addicts return from rehab dry, but, somehow, after a month or a year they go back to their old habit but I must say I have been vilified. I have heard people say all sorts of things about me, but I need people to understand that stress can make anyone do anything. It is true that I have an addiction, but I trust that I will be fine.”

He also said that a musician needs inspiration from drugs and alcohol to produce the best genre of music, something he said kept him at the very top of his career.

“Growing up, I never tasted alcohol or smoke but you know, it is actually part of the lifestyle of a performing musician.

“For certain genres of music, you must be high, like highlife, rock music, reggae. For a man like Bob Marley to maintain that level, it must not have been easy. But I have calmed down, and will find a way. Now I am cold, very cold. I will try to do music without using drugs.”

He further advised upcoming musicians to stay away from drugs and alcohol, as such could destroy their career.

“If you want to go far in music, as an upcoming act, don’t womanise. Stay away from hard drugs and too much alcohol.

“It is one thing to go into rehab and another to come out.

“The doctors gave me first class treatment, but God healed me, and I give him the credit. Only God and the Lord Jesus Christ can deliver.

“The good thing about rehab for me is that it helped to right my image.”